One specific tour theme which is always popular is tours based around the works of Gaudi. Gaudi is synonymous with Barcelona, the master architect who dreamed up many of the city's most iconic buildings. Some Barcelona tours allow you to skip the long entry queue to visit La SegradaFamilia, the cathedral that is Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece. You can also join walking tours of ParcGuell, to enjoy its amazing Tolkein-esque environment. Gaudi's sights are so popular that most Barcelona tours include at least one place associated with him.

If the thought of a coach tour doesn't appear and you are happy travelling by yourself, consider buying a Barcelona Card, which gives you discounts into many of the city's most famous attractions, or making use of one of the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Routes, or both. These Barcelona tour options are ideal if you would like to explore this fabulous destination at your own pace, leaving plenty of time to people-watch at squares and cafes.

Of course, Barcelona is famous as a destination for food and drinking, as well as culture. You can go on an organised tapas crawl, which will take you to several of the city's most famous tapas bars, or attend a tutored wine tasting. Flamenco may not be indigenous to Catalonia, but you can also take in a flamenco and dinner show. Alternatively, dinner can be found at the Hard Rock Café.

There's a lot to see within an easy day trip from the city, too. Inland from Barcelona, Montserrat is Catalonia's most revered pilgrimage destination, and you can visit either as a regular tour group or as part of a smaller hiking party. You can visit this either together or separately from cava vineyards. Alternatively, you can splash out and book a helicopter trip to Monserrat, or book an excursion to the Pyrenees.

If you'd rather explore the Catalan coastline, then Tarragona was the former Roman capital of the region, and is well worth visiting for its chariot track and ornate cathedral. There are several holiday resorts along the south Catalan coast which have excellent beaches, and are worth visiting for a taste of the seaside. Port Aventura is one of Europe's largest theme parks and a perfect family day out.

And that's only just a small taste of the magical tours and excursions that Barcelona has to offer. Whatever time of year you go to the Catalan capital, and whatever your interests, you're guaranteed a holiday that you'll never forget.